I stay with my ex-husband, and he has replaced the porch light with green without my consent. I wonder why, I asked him and he responded that it is due to his father who had just passed away. He made no further explanation. Why? What is the meaning of a green porch light?
Green porch lights are seen as a small but noticeable sign in neighborhoods across the United States and also in other countries. They are the symbols of hope, solidarity, awareness, most of all relating to military veterans, mental health, and other significant causes. However, what really does all this ugly green lighting mean, and how can you be a part of the wave? In this article we examine their history, what the color represented and how you can use a green porch light to make an effective statement.
What Does Green Porch Light Mean?
The green front door lamp is not the only attractive option, it is a symbol to bring strength. The most popular interpretations are discussed below:
- Veterans Support
The most well-known one is the result of the campaign initiated in 2013 by Walmart and various veteran support groups named the “Greenlight A Vet.” The green color stands for the renewal and good health, and, when the green bulb is lit, it symbolizes appreciation and support of the military veterans, who are now in the civilian life.
- Mental Health Awareness
Also, the past few years were marked by green lights being used to spread awareness of mental heath. Green is a color that signifies peace, harmony, and wellness, which are among the characteristics of mental stability. Individuals put green lights on in May (Mental Health Awareness Month) or during such events as World Mental Health Day (October 10).
- Support & Solidarity
In others, green porch lights are a reaction to tragedy, or to remember it, as during outbreaks of illnesses or in the aftermath of a disaster: a silent solidarity.
Step by Step Guide on how to put up a Green Porch Light: Step by Step
Or have a green porch to assert your say? This is the way to do it right:
Step 1: Determine Your Cause
Choose what cause you would like to be involved in. Green is flexible, but various campaigns can imply certain timeline or approach:
November 11 Veterans Day
May- Mental Health Awareness Month
ptsd 27 (June 27)
Local memory campaigns
Understanding your purpose will assist you to communicate your message clearly when somebody requests it.
Step 2: The Correct Light Bulb
You may:
Purchase a green LED bulb: Buy a green LED (medium brightness) light-bulb (8W9W Watts to 10W Watts for general work).
Install a bulb cover or sleeve: This is placed over a standard bulb and filters off the light to be green. They are good temporary displays.
Homemade green coating: Finally, one can apply a colored bulb with transparent green glass paint, although it is not so resistant.
Trick: LEDs are durable and energy savers- ideal when long term support is needed.
Step 3: Fitting the Green Bulb
Switch off the switch and make sure the bulb is cold.
Remove your old porch-fixture b click off the old bulb.
Replace the current green bulb by screwing on the new green bulb or covering the original bulb with the sleeve.
Switch the power on and test the light.
Optional: Grab a photo and post it on social media with a hashtag to make the voice heard: #GreenlightAVet or #MentalHealthAwareness, etc.
Step 4: Optional Add a Sign (Optional)
Feeling at ease, you may put up a small sign by your porch or on the door to tell people what your green light means. A very simple thing like:
This green light should be in memory of the veterans. Thanks a lot.”
This opens discussions and creates awareness within your society.
The Psychology Of Green
Green is extensively associated with nature, harmony, and security. It is soothing, relaxes, eases anxiety and represents growth and renewal, which all resonates with the causes it advocates. This shows why green is a strong and suitable color to use in advocacy, awareness, and remembrance.
A Universal and Prosperous Movement
The green porch light movement is not only based in the United States, but has gone worldwide. That symbol has been adopted by people in other nations with varying reasons including bringing hope to health emergencies or playing into the negative perception of mental illness. Whether it was in the US or elsewhere in the world, the green light as a collective display of togetherness and solidarity.
Final Thoughts
Turning your porch light to green is a little gesture that sends a large message. You see that faint green illumination as a sign of respect to the veterans, as growing awareness of mental health, or supporting a cause that matters to you, that gentle going-green voice is heard that you are one that is strong, that you care, that you stand firm together, in a silent but ever so important way.
